Google secretly testing pair of connected devices

Google has asked the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for permission to use an undisclosed, mystery "entertainment device" across four major cities over the next six months.

Described as having both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, the FCC application was initially submitted in December and recently discovered by GigaOm.

Although the details of the device are unclear, it stands to reason that it could have both Google TV and Android implications. Indeed, reading through the description it sounds as if it would take video content from the the Internet and distribute it across multiple connected devices. So rather than each smartphone, tablet, or set-top box pulling down the same data, it would lessen the strain on broadband Internet connections.

After sniffing through various comments and digging around, there are a number of theories as to what we might expect. Some are suggesting that it could be an extension of the Android @Home unveiled at Google IO last year. Faithful Android followers might recall the "Project Tungsten" demonstration, which was described as a central, connected device that happens to run Android.

Although only a prototype at the time, we learned that the device could transmit and control songs from Google Music across multiple boxes that offered audio output. A second Tungsten device that featured NFC support allowed users to queue their music simply by tapping a CD to the connected device.

Jump to 43:00 into the presentation to see the Project Tungsten demonstrations.